Anti-VLAD concert fails to raise funds

The organiser of a concert to raise money for the High Court fight against discriminatory VLAD Laws in Queensland has suffered a financial loss after only 150 attended.

The verdict on the Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment laws is expected to be released at 9.30am this Friday. Meanwhile, anti-VLAD campaigner Grant Newson says his Freedom Family Fun Day concert, in Nanango in the South Burnett, “went off without any hitches or mishaps”.

“Two visits from the local establishment were met at the gate and politely told they were not welcome and not allowed on the grounds – they left without hassle.

“Numbers were down, so unfortunately I made a few thousand dollars’ loss on the event.

Tribute band ZZ Topzz performs at concert

“I am at a loss to figure out why so many people are against the laws, but just aren’t willing to … actually show their disapproval and contempt at the LNP.”

He says he has “already contemplated next year’s gig”.

“I have to pay off the debt I have incurred hosting this one first. Could take a little while as it isn’t a small amount for me, but it shall be done. The disappointing aspect for me is that so many artists, caterers, stall holders etc put their hands up to help and they didn’t come out in front. I hope they will give it another shot.”

The entertainers included tribute band ZZ Topzz, Muddy Flats, Chris Webbe, Noise Burner, The Cameron Complex and Paul Robert Burton, all of whom donated their time.

Grant says he only needed about 100 more people to break even on the anti-VLAD event, but says he has learnt from his mistakes.

Grant began protesting against the VLAD laws in November 2013 when he set up his first market stall in Nanango to attract people to sign a petition. He and some locals and friends wore pink overalls to highlight the absurdity of the plan to make jailed “outlaw” bikies wear pink.

They set out to educate the general public of the absurdity and consequences of the Queensland Government’s draconian VLAD laws. Grant says the response in the little farming and mining community has been “overwhelming”.

Grant videoed the 11 hours of the Freedom Family Fun Day concert and is gradually posting it on his YouTube channel. The first is this segment by Chris Webbe including his anti-VLAD protest song, “So This is Queensland”.